Osi Umenyiora: If you trade for me, you won’t have to redo my contract

Posted by Josh Alper on April 25, 2012, 11:34 AM EST

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Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora is using the day before the draft to send a message to the other 31 teams in the NFL.

Tom Rock of Newsday spoke to Umenyiora about what the future holds for him. Umenyiora admitted to some uncertainty about whether it is best for him to stay with the Giants, but then moved on to letting other teams know what they’d be getting if they were to make a trade to acquire him.

Umenyiora, who has fought with the Giants about renegotiating his contract for most of the last few years, told Rock that a team trading for him wouldn’t need to redo his contract. Umenyiora has complained about his backup status with the Giants and could feel like a starting role on another team would best set him up to hit free agency next year. This would be the optimal time for the Giants to trade Umenyiora, something he clearly knows, and making his willingness to play under his current deal — a reasonable $3.975 million for this season — is a good way to generate some interest.

It’s hardly guaranteed to work, however. While Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network thinks “things could get interesting” if someone offers a third-round pick, the Giants weren’t willing to part with Umenyiora for a second-round pick last summer. It’s a different time, obviously, and the Giants might feel like they’re tired of the constant drama that Umenyiora brings to the table, but he’s a valuable part of their defense and they probably aren’t feeling too much pressure to let him go.

I would welcome him to the Niners. Him and Justin Smith would wreak havoc; setting up Aldon Smith coming off the edge.
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He is a great player, but he really isn’t big enough to play end for the 9ers 3-4 D. In a 3-4, he would have to play outside backer and I don’t see him capable of doing so.

Plus, the Giants don’t cave on stuff like this and have no problems dealing with a disgruntled guy. They won a Super Bowl with a few last year…

ygkr85 says:Apr 25, 2012 12:19 PM

Osi played half a season last year because of a combo of injuries and BS. I think I speak for most Giants fans when I say I truly appreciate his skills and want him back minus all the drama. That said, if a 2nd round pick comes our way I think the front office does it this time around…anything less I think would be a steal for another team and disappointing for Giants fans who have seen him excel when he is motivated

ebr362 says:Apr 25, 2012 12:33 PM

Oh for the love of God Miami, do something smart for a change and give one of our 3rd round picks for Osi! It would be like trading Marshall for Osi. team him up with Wake and let them tee off on Qbs…

skippynj says:Apr 25, 2012 12:37 PM

C’mon Spags, go get your boy and bring him South and he’ll get a ring 2 years in a row1

If not keeping Osi is an option, then trading him is the next best thing, but for a 2nd rounder in the very least. (as a giants fan, preferably an early 2nd rounder)

I don’t think that would be too much to ask for a team looking to ‘rent’ Osi. Sure they’d be giving up a 2nd rounder, but if they choose not to resign him, they most likely would be gaining a 3rd round compensatory pick assuming they didnt make any other signings. Am I right in assuming this?

That’s not so costly for a team looking to acquire a 2 X SB champ for 1 years service.(lose a 2nd rounder, but gain a 3rd.)

Now if such a trade comes to fruition, the giants have options with late 1st and early 2nd round picks, they could possibly go with any combo of Fleener(suitable replacement for manningham as a legit 3rd pass catching option), Doug Martin, an OT, or trade up to get a LB.

The giants best move at this point with the #32 is to just sit, wait and see what happens….theres no need to rush or force anything, they are in the driver’s seat.

flannlv says:Apr 25, 2012 12:44 PM

“Osi, Spags here, you will look great in the black and gold”

cmdv8 says:Apr 25, 2012 12:48 PM

please please come to detroit

oside760 says:Apr 25, 2012 1:00 PM

chargers could desperately use a guy like Osi. just can’t have him missing half the season with injuries every year

andreidan says:Apr 25, 2012 1:01 PM

COME ON JETS!!! This is who you need!!! Osi wants to play for the Jets too! We need a pass rusher like him! Get him and we can maybe pickup another in the 2nd for a sick pass rush. This way we can maybe get Floyd in the 1st or a RT.

This is your chance at getting that pass rusher on the edge like you wanted. The Bolts are playing both 3-4 and 4-3 this year so he can fit. Do the right thing…oh wait, we’re talking about AJ here. Nevermind.

As a Giants fan, I am really starting to despise this guy. Just shut up and play. Did the Giants rework your contract when you missed the entire season in 08? No you got paid and didn’t play a single down of football. You are under contract so deal with it. And I would be leary about pissing off Jerry Reese, because he could send your lazy ass the Cleveland or Jacksonville.

Dallas also plays a hybrid 3-4, with 4 men fronts at times. I don’t think he would be overmatched anyway on the outside. Dallas needs a pass rush to help out Ware and Ratliff too. For a 3rd rounder, he is still worth it.

tcostant says:Apr 25, 2012 1:40 PM

3rd round pick? More like a 2nd and 5th to get the deal done. An earlier posted hit it right, if a 3rd is all they can get; hold him, make him play his “contract year” and then just take the comp pick which could be a 3rd.

cooklynn17 says:
Apr 25, 2012 1:28 PM
As a Giants fan, I am really starting to despise this guy. Just shut up and play. Did the Giants rework your contract when you missed the entire season in 08? No you got paid and didn’t play a single down of football. You are under contract so deal with it. And I would be leary about pissing off Jerry Reese, because he could send your lazy ass the Cleveland or Jacksonville.

Careful what you wish for.

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You make a great point about 08. But I think you should cut Osi some slack. He’s hasn’t been a huge problem/distraction for the giants. He’s just trying to get paid. The guy has been “team first” on and off the field DURING the season.

12.5 sacks in 13 games including playoffs and a major contributing force in this years SB.

He himself has said its a business. Reese has said its a business. Both are doing what they think is best for their interests…hopefully a middle ground can be found that benefits both sides, with or without Osi playing for BIG BLUE.

A lot of teams could use a guy like this, but why use a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a guy who will probably leave for big money after one year. A 2nd or 3rd round pick is a future building block for your team, and inexpensive at that. A third round guy might make as much in 3-4 years as Osi will make this year. That is why GM’s like to build through the draft, not like Dan Snyder or Jerry Jones spending spree’s. I would love to see him play for the Chargers, but he wouldn’t be here more than a year, so I don’t see more than a 4th round pick for a “one and done”.

wferg1121 says:Apr 25, 2012 4:00 PM

I think if the Giants trade Osi it will be to swap 1st round picks and a 3rd round. Osi is a proven player, not only does he sack but he causes turnovers.. I also think he would be going to the AFC. In terms of 1 year rental, the team that trades for him could always franchise him, that’s why he is willing to do that he will get a huge payday and probably new contract. The Giants will not use the franchise on him next year with Nicks being a free agent who has youth on his side. Osi knows that!

Why don’t the ravens trade for him?, it’ll only cost them a 3rd round draft pick

jli921 says:Apr 25, 2012 7:00 PM

He was about to sit out the second half of the season with his injured leg/ankle/vagina if the Giants hadn’t put together that late season run. When he saw a chance to make the playoffs, he suddenly had a miraculous recovery. Get something for him and improve the O-line or linebacking corps.

Angry Orange Man says:Apr 26, 2012 2:45 AM

Funny watching all the people who trash Osi stumble all over themselves wanting to trade for the guy when it looks like he will be available.

Reese wont trade him for anything less than a 2nd round pick. Why trade him when you can keep him and his option are (A) tank all year and not get a good deal in free agency. (B) Hold out all year and not get a good deal in free agency.

Why would they trade him? Not getting a better player (at least right away) with a third round pick plus they’ll get a similar pick when someone signs him anyway.

Chicago sports radio reporting today the Bears are exploring making an offer

jpgusto says:Apr 27, 2012 6:47 AM

Ah the annual Osi trade/hold out/contract mod discussion lets me know another season is underway. It would be nice to see the Giants receive a 2nd rounder for him in order to strengthen another position like LB or OL.